Title: Method for storing spent nuclear fuel in repositories

Abstract

A method for storing radioactive spent fuel in repositories containing sulfur as the storage medium is disclosed. Sulfur is non-corrosive and not subject to radiation damage. Thus, storage periods of up to 100 years are possible.

A method for storing radioactive spent fuel in repositories containing sulfur as the storage medium is disclosed. Sulfur is non-corrosive and not subject to radiation damage. Thus, storage periods of up to 100 years are possible.

A method for storing radioactive spent fuel in repositories containing sulfur as the storage medium is disclosed. Sulfur is non-corrosive and not subject to radiation damage. Thus, storage periods of up to 100 years are possible.

This patent describes a nuclear fuel rod storage system having a water pool and a spacer box for use in the storage of spent nuclear fuel rod containers in the water pool. The system comprises: a spacer box including an elongated hollow box; means at one end of the hollow box for securing thereof to a spent nuclear fuel rod container, the hollow box and the container located within the water pool at a submerged location; first means for introducing a buoyant medium into the interior of the hollow box; second means for withdrawing water from the interior of themore » hollow box; and means for draining water from the water pool in response to a displacement of water by the buoyant medium in the hollow box.« less

An apparatus for storing spent fuel assemblies of a nuclear reactor includes a fuel-assembly transport cask having a hollow chamber for receiving therein at least one fuel assembly and having a cover for gas-tightly closing off an opening to the hollow chamber, including means for supplying a trace gas into the hollow chamber, an additional cover defining a leakage detection chamber covering the cross-section of the opening to the hollow chamber, and a measuring device for the trace gas connected to the leakage detection chamber for monitoring gas-tightness of the closure of the opening to the hollow chamber, and methodmore » for using the apparatus.« less

A rack for storing spent nuclear fuel elements in which a plurality of aligned rows of upright enclosures of generally square cross-sectional areas contain vertically disposed fuel elements. The enclosures are fixed at the lower ends thereof to a base. Pockets are formed between confronting walls of adjacent enclosures for receiving high absorption neutron absorbers, such as Boral, cadmium, borated stainless steel and the like for the closer spacing of spent fuel elements.